Alaric tried to remember if the events of the day came back along with memories of his father, but all he could feel was a pounding in his head. “What was our wedding like?”
“You are not the only one who has a hazy recollection of that day. It all feels like a bit of a blur.” Catherine’s smile faltered, and she pulled some of the pudding toward her. “I remember arguing with my mother before we left. Seeing you at the chapel.”
To Alaric’s surprise, her cheeks colored slightly as she continued, “The ceremony itself is a haze of doddery voices and smells. I barely remember the wedding breakfast. I felt so numb until Hettie, Louise, and Fi appeared.”
Alaric saw her face light up and felt his heart soar in answer. “Friends of yours?”
“Yes. Lady Harriet Montrose, daughter of the Earl of Devonmere. Lady Louisa Everly, daughter of the Earl of Kenswick and Lady Fiona Blackwood, daughter of?—”
“Duke Carroway. I was at Eton with his sons,” Alaric interrupted, the memory returning to him.
“I think Fi always hoped one of us would marry one of her brothers. I suppose there is still a chance that one of the others might.” Catherine shrugged and ate a spoonful of pudding.
The image of Catherine dancing with one of Duke Carroway’s sons rose into Alaric’s mind. He felt something oily spreadthrough his chest and realized that his knuckles were white around the small fork he had picked up to eat his pudding with. He forced his grip to relax.
“We were not close at Eton, but I assume they would make satisfactory husbands.”
“Possibly, though there was never a spark between us. No irresistible pull.” It may have been a trick of the light, but for a wild moment, Alaric was sure Catherine’s eyes flicked toward his.
You are seeing what you want to see.
“Was that what you wanted in a husband?” Alaric asked, feeling his chest tighten. “An irresistible pull?”
“I would rather not talk about it.” Catherine took another spoonful of pudding.
Alaric pushed down his curiosity. “How did you meet your friends?”
Catherine swallowed, briefly covering her mouth with her fingers. “We all snuck out of a ball during our first Season and got into an argument about who should have to leave the maze and brave the crowds. We ended up laughing and talking into the wee hours of the morning. We have been thick as thieves ever since. I always imagined they would be my bridesmaids.”
“Why were they not?” Alaric asked, feeling his scar stretch as his brow furrowed. “Surely I did not forbid such a thing?”
I hope I did not.
“My mother suspected they might do something to halt the wedding.” Catherine gave him a wry smile. “She was probably not wrong, but it does not make it sting any less.”
Relief washed over Alaric, and he leaned back in his chair. “You should invite them to visit.”
“I have considered it, but, with your memory…” Catherine trailed off.
Alaric felt his chest squeeze.She has denied herself the comfort of her friends, simply to protect me?
“Do you trust them?”
“With my life,” Catherine answered.
“Then you should invite them to stay with us for a few days.” Alaric realized that he was leaning toward Catherine and hastily grabbed another plate of pudding to keep his hands from reaching for her. “We have plenty of room.”
Alaric took a mouthful of pudding. “It will give me a chance to use what you have been re-teaching me, and we will know that if I make some sort of social gaffe, my secret will stay safe.”
“Like speaking with your mouth full?” Catherine laughed, and Alaric felt his cheeks redden.
He swallowed. “I always manage to forget that particular rule. How is one expected to speak during dinner, when you are supposed to keep your mouth closed while you are eating.”
“Well, ladies will often cover their mouths if required to speak when they have taken a bite out of something.” Catherine demonstrated. “I am not sure what gentlemen do; perhaps they swallow quickly?”
“I suppose I shall have to ask Hale when I see him. I suspect he will delight in telling me the wrong thing, so I will, of course, double-check everything with you.” Alaric shook his head and winced.
Will that ever stop hurting?
